Its habitat in a wide variety of wetlands from mountain lakes, marshes, small pools, streams, rivers, salt pans and even coastal waters where it feeds on shrimp, fish, insects and plant matter.

It is found in all types of wetlands within its range, but its preferred habitat is shallow freshwater marshland.

It is reported to be a pest in farms as they supposedly damage newly sown fields and germinating seeds.

Typically seen in pairs or small groups but flocks of up to 2,000 have been seen, possibly even larger before this species was heavily hunted.

[6] The Philippine duck is rated vulnerable on the IUCN Red List with the population estimated to be 3,300 - 6,700 mature individuals remaining.

[5] Habitat loss is mainly due to wetland drainage, aquaculture, mangrove destruction and fishpond creation.

Up to 10,000 birds were previously recorded in the Candaba Swamp but this area has since been mostly converted into farmland and is also heavily hunted.